Mykhailo Fedorov

Ukraine is offering absent without leave (AWOL) troops the chance to choose their new military unit and role as part of a 100-day voluntary return program. The initiative, which allows selection from over 70 units across three ground branches, aims to address hundreds of thousands of AWOL cases and has a September 20 deadline for applications. The defense ministry emphasizes the program's flexibility but notes no guarantees for preferred units due to limited positions.

Mass protests in the Ukrainian capital, triggered by the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, continue to escalate despite the absence of a clear leader or organizer.

Mykhailo Fedorov claims his dismissal as Defense Minister resulted from procurement reforms that angered powerful interests. He denied a personal feud with Oleksandr Syrskyi, attributing their conflict to differing views on war strategy.

Zelensky is reportedly unwilling to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as Defense Minister despite ongoing protests. Protest organizers plan a march in Kyiv, but insiders anticipate the demonstrations will eventually lose momentum.

Zelensky has not commented on the possibility of reappointing Mykhailo Fedorov, stating he avoids frequent intervention in disputes between the defense ministry and the military. He expressed respect for both Fedorov and Syrsky.

Protesters in Kyiv demanded President Volodymyr Zelensky reappoint defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov after his removal in a government reshuffle that triggered a political crisis. The protests declared an open-ended rally following the unexplained ministerial change.

Ukrainian troops hope for reforms under new commander in chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi, after expressing frustration with outdated military practices. Drapatyi, known for stabilizing warzones and a pro-tech approach, is seen as a potential partner for former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov in driving military innovation.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto offered Mykhailo Fedorov a military advisor role in Rome, citing his role in battlefield innovations. Fedorov had been dismissed on July 15 and later rejected a military innovations position from President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto offered a job to Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian defense chief removed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposing him as an adviser in Rome. Crosetto praised Fedorov for military innovation but noted resistance to change in several European countries. Fedorov has not publicly responded to the offer.

Protests in Kyiv have intensified due to Mykhailo Fedorov's refusal to return to the government in a role with reduced powers. The article questions whether President Zelensky can prevent a political crisis and whether Fedorov might have accepted the offer.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sparking protests due to the latter's role in Ukraine's drone strategy. The dismissals highlight tensions between political and military leadership.

Zelensky faced ongoing protests after dismissing Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister, with some analysts suggesting political damage from the decision.

Thousands of protesters in central Kyiv continued their ninth-day rally, welcoming the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi but demanding the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister. Demonstrators vowed to maintain pressure until their primary demand is met.

A demonstration in support of Mykhailo Fedorov took place in Kyiv on July 20, 2026. The event is described as a show of strength from Ukrainian society.

Drones have become a critical component of Ukraine's defense strategy, challenging traditional military approaches favored by older generals. Mykhailo Fedorov, a proponent of drone warfare, clashed with commander Oleksandr Syrsky over strategic priorities, leading to their dismissal by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mykhailo Fedorov rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to become deputy prime minister for military innovations, insisting he would only return as defense minister. Protests calling for his reinstatement continued in Kyiv for an eighth consecutive day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dismissal of popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked public protests, leading to the replacement of commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi. The shift reflects a generational and philosophical military leadership change, with Drapatyi representing a younger, battlefield-tested generation and bridging tensions between Fedorov's technology-driven reforms and Syrskyi's traditional approach.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed, sparking nationwide protests. The sacking is viewed as a political misstep by President Volodymyr Zelensky due to a reported conflict with top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Ukraine has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as its new army chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi. The change occurred after a cabinet reshuffle that removed defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov, his defense minister, amid tensions over Fedorov's desire to replace a general. Fedorov, admired by Ukrainian troops and Western allies, led Ukraine's technological innovations in the war against Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians welcomed Mykhailo Drapaty’s appointment as army commander, while many continued to call for former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to return to government.

Ukrainians welcomed the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty as the new army chief, but many expressed a desire for Mykhailo Fedorov's return after his removal triggered protests. The protests are the largest since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi with Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces following nationwide protests over Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s removal. Drapatyi, seen as a reform-minded leader, was supported by protesters demanding military administrative changes.

Ukraine replaced its commander-in-chief and defense minister amid public pressure, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshaping military leadership to address internal rifts. New army chief Mykhailo Drapatyi and defense strategy reforms were highlighted, while Russia dismissed the changes as indicative of Kyiv's internal instability.

President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with General Mykhailo Drapatyi following protests linked to the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Analysts are divided, with some viewing the move as a response to public pressure and a step toward military reform, while others criticize the decision or Zelensky's leadership.

Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Oleksandr Syrsky as head of the Ukrainian armed forces following protests. The protests began after Mykhailo Fedorov was removed from his post as defense minister.

Mykhailo Drapatyi, a 43-year-old Ukrainian general known for his innovative tactics and a viral 2014 'flying BMP' incident, was appointed the country's new commander in chief. His appointment followed protests demanding military reforms and the reinstatement of defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed amid clashes with the previous commander.

Ukraine replaced its commander-in-chief amid public pressure, appointing Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had clashed with outgoing general Oleksandr Syrskyi, supported Drapatyi’s appointment, emphasizing reform efforts and military modernization.

Ukraine replaced its army chief and defense minister amid public pressure and internal military disputes. President Zelenskyy appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief and removed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi and Mykhailo Fedorov, citing the need for reform and unity in the fight against Russia.

Ukraine replaced its military leadership, including a new army chief and defense minister, amid public pressure and internal conflicts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled top brass to address a rift between outgoing officials and implement new defense strategies.

President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi with Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief following protests over Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal. Fedorov welcomed the change as a 'breath of fresh air and new hope,' and Zelensky offered him a new technology-focused government role.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine’s military chief following mass protests and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement. The protests demanded Syrskyi’s removal and reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who criticized Syrskyi for blocking military reforms.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine's army chief following mass protests demanding his resignation and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement. The decision followed pressure from demonstrations seeking military reforms and the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi amid nationwide protests, following his removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov's ousting sparked protests demanding his reinstatement and Syrskyi's removal, while Zelenskyy offered Fedorov another government role. Mykhailo Drapatyi, a field commander who supported Fedorov, will replace Syrskyi.

Fedorov congratulated Drapaty on his appointment as Commander-in-Chief, calling it a voice of change. Fedorov's dismissal led to protests, and he had previously advocated for Syrsky's removal.

Ukrainian protesters demand reinstatement of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and removal of military chief Oleksandr Syrsky, citing his unpopularity due to alleged brutality, unnecessary casualties, and corruption. Zelensky faces a political crisis as protests persist.

Ukraine’s political crisis centers on Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a tech innovator credited with modernizing Ukraine’s drone program, and Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, a Soviet-trained military commander. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov after their policies clashed, sparking protests and accusations of favoring the military establishment over reformers.

Ukraine experienced street protests for five days following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who clashed with Army General Oleksandr Syrsky. President Volodymyr Zelensky is attempting to resolve the political crisis and unify the military.

Volodymyr Zelensky is considering replacing Ukraine’s top military commander Oleksandr Syrsky with Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty amid a military leadership crisis. The reported discussions follow the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered large protests.

Yevhen Khmara took over as Ukraine’s acting defense minister on July 20 after President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him. The appointment follows ongoing protests over the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.